Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Organismic and Evolutionary Biology is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional application instructions.

Research in organismic and evolutionary biology (OEB) involves studying biological processes that span a continuum from single cells to entire ecosystems, conducting field and laboratory studies that are key to understanding the evolution of organisms, how biodiversity is generated and maintained, how organisms work, and how organisms interact with their environment. 

You will have access to an impressive array of resources, from modern research facilities to extensive biodiversity collections in the Herbaria and Museum of Comparative Zoology, with the ability to conduct plant and animal research at the Concord Field Station, the Harvard Forest, and the Arnold Arboretum. Many students conduct extensive fieldwork around the world at locations as varied as Antarctica, Kenya, and Brazil.

As part of the program, you will benefit from OEB's broad connections in the life and physical sciences, including the Broad Institute; the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Human Evolutionary Biology, Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology, Psychology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Physics; and the Center for Brain Science and Broad Institute, as well as the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Examples of student dissertation topics include "The Structure, Function, and Evolution of the Fern Vascular System,"‌ "Adaptations to Life on an Oxidizing Planet: Insights from the Evolutionary Ecophysiology of Iron-Respiring Bacteria,"‌ and "High-Throughput Functional Characterization of Regulatory Variants Related to Human Evolution and Disease."‌

Graduates have secured academic positions at institutions like Yale University, Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago. Others have begun their careers with leading organizations like Ginkgo Bioworks, Whole Biome, and USDA Health.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Organismic and Evolution Biology and requirements for the degree are detailed in GSAS Policies.

STEP 1: CHOOSE A PROGRAM

GSAS offers master’s and PhD degrees in programs based in the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering and applied sciences. Many programs also allow a student to conduct more focused research by choosing an area of study. Review the programs on offer to decide which best meets your academic goals.

STEP 2: MAKE A NOTE OF THE APPLICATION DEADLINE

Application deadlines vary by program and are noted on the program page.

STEP 3: Review the STANDARDIZED TESTS requirements

Programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or subject test scores. Applicants who are non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS). Review the admissions policy on English Proficiency for more information. Be sure to register early for required tests.

STEP 4: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE

The online application becomes available in September. The application and all components are due by 5:00 p.m., eastern time, on the deadline date.